A politician from Kenya seemingly thought she’d be entitled to special treatment from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), while flying within the United States. However, the internet seems divided as to whether she was serious, or was joking and being flirty.
“I am a VIP in my country, why am I in this line?
Kenyan Senator Karen Nyamu recently traveled through Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), and filmed an interesting interaction she had while going through the TSA checkpoint. In the short clip posted online, she’s seen talking to the TSA agent as her identity is being verified, and says the following:
Senator: “They made me queue over here, and I’m a VIP in my country.”
TSA officer: “I think that might be for your airline.”
Senator: “I’m a senator.”
TSA officer: “A senator?”
Senator: “Yeah, and I’m flying first class.”
TSA officer: “Oh, you’re flying first class. I think that’s mostly just the airline, because this is standard procedures. If you have like PreCheck or something, that’s downstairs.”
A moment later, as she’s cleared to go, the conversation continues as follows:
TSA officer: “You’re good to go.”
Senator: “What’s your name?”
TSA officer: “Justin.”
Senator: “How old are you?”
TSA officer: “21.”
Senator: “Oh you’re so cute.”
Was this interaction entitled or flirty?
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not up to date on Kenyan politics, so I’m not sure what kind of a reputation Nyamu has. If you take the first part of the conversation at face value, it definitely does come across as entitled.
You think you’re entitled to special privileges at an airport in the United States because you’re a politician in another country? Arguably most politicians shouldn’t get special privileges in their own country, but that’s a whole different story.
However, the fact that Nyamu films the interaction, in addition to the conversation at the end, suggests that the tone was more humorous and flirty. So I’m tempted to give her the benefit of the doubt, and assume she just has a good sense of humor, even if not everyone followed along.
In a separate Instagram post, Nyamu posted a photo with the following caption, clearly in response to this:
I hate drama. Why do you make Justin to trend in my country where I am a VIP and a senerra don’t you know jokes
Bottom line
A Kenyan politician is making headlines in Kenya, after she filmed her interaction with a TSA officer. She explained she was a VIP in her country, and asked why she had to wait in line. He wasn’t sure exactly how to respond, but she then flirted with him, asked his age, and told him he was cute.
I’m inclined to believe she was just being humorous, and appreciate her attitude, even if it can also be interpreted differently.
What do you make of this TSA interaction?
